Sunday, 17 September 2017

I am at the age when people are dying. I realized long ago that life is only important if you have sociability, family, love, community, it is never the accumilation of goodies and toys despite my love of shoes and black dresses. Everything nowadays in the West seems to be about the American dream where happiness is thought to be purchases bought in shopping malls. Well, anybody with intelligence will know that is not true, but commerce seems essential to our health and vitality. It is not. Long ago I fell in love with Yoga for about 15 years it helped me understand the poverty of my spirit and expand my ideals. It was not about buying the latest jacket at Saint Laurent but of course love. It was certainly not religion which was propaganda to keep the human quiet. It was holding hands, talking, sharing. I love sharing with people not only by social media which feals like post cards but connected to the care of all creatues on the planet and their welfare.
There is a problem with Democracy, as economics have to be involved. Poverty both financial and spirit, is a necessity so we are easily mind controlled. This has been going on for centuries, both Elizabeth 1st and Henry V111 used it. Most people love to be politically correct and so are prime targets to be manipulated. I like to think, despite my blonde curls, I question public behavior and political policies and believe we should all have freedom of speech despite being bombarded with truth and lies.
As my friends and associates die I realise everytime I think of them they are alive, the brain is most powerful and can transport you anywhere you like. We are living in the era of the "Selfie" where we can create a bubble for ourselves with little real communication. So let's change that, embrace our friends and family.

Thursday, 7 September 2017

Things you display in your rooms, showcase you, you have to check how things look.
Nothing looks like it really does in real life. I am not sure about analysis it seems to make you cry a lot and only think about yourself and gives you memories of Mother's raincoat in the hall and how your favorite puppy got run over. The word Therapist becomes The Rapist. Some days nothing goes right. Today my Cocoa was spilt, Monopoly was not working and I hate my broker because he did not listen to feminine intuition. Three weeks ago I said to him nobody was going to drink Cocoa in August. The month is over, I lost my reason and rag. He didn't think it would collapse because Cadburys put a glass and a half of fresh milk in every bar.
Coz I lost my shares in this, I don't suppose a man with tight black lycra will vault into my bedroom tonight leaving a box of milk tray. The last time a man crashed through my french windows they took my camera equipment and pearls. All this on the strength. of After Eight chocolates, and frankly, I don't love anyone enough to give them my last Rolo. If only it was Mick Jagger as everybody knows what he can do with a Mars bar, lies or not. Sadly, most of my men turned out to be flakes. I wanted the man with black magic and all I got was the finger of fudge.

I see that Prince George had his first day at school and obviously they did not get the uniform from the gender neutral Peter Jones as otherwise, he could be wearing a skirt and blouse with a cardigan with giraffes on it. The world is in a transitional phase of transgressing transforming and transcribing. I am wondering what to do with myself in order to translate. I am good at doing things with my mouth. Anyway, I transgress.
I am very sad about the death of the wit David Tang whose loos are famous in his Restaurant China Tang in the basement of The Dorchester Hotel for speaking poetry as you pee. "I wandered cloud" as I try and navigate the seat. The man has sadly gone, but the paper and words lingers on.

Poor Lady Branson's house is now tooth picks, as yet again Sir Richard was in the basement clutching his ormolu whilst his house was lashed by the storm. No wonder money is spinning with Mr. Kim threatening to blow off the top of a mountain. I do want his haircut though on everybody else except for me, It only needs two sticks dynamite and a sense of humour.
It is a special man to know the secrets of my black magic box!

Wednesday, 16 August 2017

|f you can say what you are not, then you can say what you are. As everybody pays one or another for their Titles and have done for centuries I decided to do the same. It is a novelty item that everybody can enjoy. I decided to buy The Title The Countess from Elite Titles as I can do as I like, and I want the Title I liked most. It is available for everybody and so I gave it to my friends too as a present. It is legally binding should you wish it to be and although a considered purchase for some in reach of most. I don't think it looks cheap it looks clever. Of course, it's nice to be given one by the Queen, but when I met her she was not dishing out any awards that afternoon, but she did notice me when I waved up to her in the box. In any case, she cannot change immigration or Brexit. I, therefore, needed to buy my own fairy gossamer wings. At least, I did not have to procure this from a horizontal position, money laundering or indeed political favours. All I had to do was give the company selling them the long number on the card, which is no difference if it is Coutts or HSBC.
When I wanted to be a photographer I acted the part and hey ho I was a photographer creating a book with Italian Vogue called "British Artists at Work" and meeting the most illustrious artists in Great Britain. When I wanted to be a poet I wrote "Cloak and Dagger Butterfly", when I wanted to act I went to RADA and when I wanted to learn Tarot Cards I went to a witch who says to this day I am the best reader in London other than her. When I wanted to be a film maker I made "The Gun The Cake and The Butterfly" and got 7 awards for it. The natural conclusion from this is what you want to be is decided by you. None of us is static until the box. I said to my first husband I did not want to be a Battersea housewife I wanted to be a Belgravia house and the next minute I am living in Chester Square. Never limit yourself as there are plenty of people out there who will do that to you anyway. So now I am The Countess Amanda Eliasch! All is achievable with the right attitude and guts. Just go for it after all everything is an illusion so just try and pick the right one.

Sunday, 30 July 2017

Fashion is confused, contrary amusing and clashing rather like life at the moment. It reflects our madness. The colours and conflicting textures, the slim fit long skirts with glittery gym shoes, boy do I want to buy all that glitters. Just make sure that to be truly fashionable nothing matches and nothing is in what I would consider good taste, mismatch, you will be the belle of the ball. Now "transmuters" are extending their wardrobes everything is acceptable, the human is morphing. You know it is the end of the world, the extravagance but take the plunge anyway and be daring. Confuse the older generation make them think. Is this a woman, a man, a woman, transgender, intersex, imitation, an alien, a merman, nonbinary gender? If you are not questioning everything that you thought you understood, I admit I am completely confused. The world's ethics are changing to match our sense of style. Be daring. Things like Intersex, which used to be hidden under the carpet are now considered more and more, just make sure you examine everything. I have to admit I am struggling. I like to be up to date but this is all too much and too fast. I was lectured by a 20-year-old girl last week that sex/gender was fluid when I questioned her, I became even dizzier with the answers, I even asked what sex I was?. Clothes are reflecting this. You may not be a bigot because you don't understand, you just may not understand because we live in pure ignorance. The human is changing we don't know what it may evolve into yet?. I realize I led a sheltered life. So for me now in my wardrobe, Chanel is been replaced by chokers by Gucci. I am still wearing mini's but slowly glitter is being worn. I am in love. with my Barbie pink bomber jacket from Gucci which I practically sleep in. I also love seeing men wear satin/silk kimonos during the day, I can't make up my mind whether they look stylish or unemployed. This morning I dyed my hair space ship silver that is what it said on the bottle, then thought "blondes have more fun", and dyed it back again. I have traveled so much in the last month, from Greece to Cyprus, To Italy to Austria, visiting the Ischia Global Film Festival, financial services for Europefx, to Greece where I tried for a couple of days to be bohemian. So now I will settle down for a month to reflect all.
Nothing is sacred anymore, no privacy, babies are born on Instagram and the youth flaunt their wares, it's a long time ago that press and social media were out of fashion. In the future, we won't age but I wish I could have been frozen in time when the sell by date was a bit fresher.

Monday, 24 July 2017

Every day in the early morning I worry about my weight. Like in the poignant, winning film about Anorexia, "Close to the Bone" with Lily Collins, I measure my wrists with my fingers, my bosoms, and my legs, both in the mirror and one of my dresses called the "weighing machine" dress. However, I do not consider that I have an eating disorder rather I think I am vain.
At the same time believe it or not I weigh up the benefits of left and right wing governments, the pro's and cons that dominate most conversations at the moment, whether to be Conservative or Labour, Republican and Democrat alike, each have created large divides in our society. The real problem is the Left wingers, in my opinion, they want to dominate the moral high ground leaving no views of a conservative important nature to be discussed. There are important differences which people should try and understand. At the same time, I wish to find some amphetamine which is I believe illegal to get skinny and so the VivaMayr in Althausee has to do.
At the back of my mind I always remember love stories, and as I get older I think of everything simultaneously. At dinners and lunches my brain splits, half in the room and half not. I am able to day dream very easily and so my mind wanders off to wonderful love stories I have had in lifts, planes, trains, and boats.
I always wish to be appreciated, like everybody else. I want people to be egalitarian but know this is virtually impossible. I realize that I always wanted an exciting life, and dull was not for me. Dull is, however, safer and as I get older I realize that I took a risk in wanting to live life my own way.
I always like to be brought up to date, with flowing ideas on gender and the importance to be free to choose what sex we want to be I am still confused by the knowledge a man cannot have children, therefore on a practical level, there will always be two sexes, despite the many differences between our species and ideas, however with make up and a smile you can be anything.
All of these ideas on holiday are like a washing machine going round and round.
I am now in love with the Unicorn she is hi jacking my thoughts, am I one? THE UNICORN A girl that you cannot catch. She is perfect and truly a blessing from God. Bumping into her is a good day. A conversation with her makes you dream. Anything beyond that is luck. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of persistence. Never give up; unicorns are said to be "uncatchable," but nothing is impossible. Yes, that seems to fit the bill nicely.

Friday, 7 July 2017

The Missfits, for Unofficial Review Amanda Eliasch, Inesa and Barrington De La Roche started with an idea that everybody's life is interesting and so we wanted to as photographers and artists show their lives to entertain and interest you in areas that you may not know about. From Fashion to Film we like to learn and explore everything in the universe.with captivating interviews.

Inesa De La Roche is a still photographer for film, actress, model, poet

Amanda Eliasch Filmmaker, artist, poet previously was in Ischia with her documentary drama "The Gun the Cake and The Butterfly" where she won the Enrico Job Art Award.

Natalia De Souza is a world famous hair stylist.

Barrington is off filming as an actor, poet, filmmaker for Dark Theatre..

AMANDA ELIASCH

A poet, photographer, and fashion editor, Amanda Eliasch was brought up with her grandfather Sidney Gilliat, a film director, producer and writer. In 2013, Eliasch directed, produced, and starred in her first award winning feature film: The Gun, The Cake & The Butterfly, was praised by the British Film Institute and won THEISCHIA GLOBAL FILM & MUSIC FEST (ITALY), NEW YORK CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND NEW MEDIA FILM FESTIVAL (L.A.), THE BEL AIR FF, LA FEMME among others. After training at ALRA and RADA, she studied photography in London, later assigned to photograph various subjects for British Artists at Work (Assouline) by the late Franca Sozzani. Her photography has been exhibited and well received. She is the fashion editor for GenLux Magazine. Her poetry book, Cloak and Dagger Butterfly, which includes many of her female photographic studies, was published through Chipmunka in 2008. Her autobiographical play, As I Like It, was performed at the Chelsea Theatre Kings Road London, and The Macha Theater in West Hollywood.Here is a link to the trailer: https://vimeo.com/66598989. The film linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmiWNyWr5Kc.

BARRINGTON DE LA ROCHE

Is a Conceptual Multimedia Artist, Actor, Writer, Director combining Painting, Sculpture, Performance, and Film-making. The concepts that interest him are buried deep within the dark recesses of the human psyche especially those brought about by social conditioning. Exploring the psychological parameters within the confines of the law and religion, psychic awareness, and spirituality. Capturing the mystery of life and especially death with ritualistic drama within the theatricality of the various establishments, law, war, government and church and the social impact of the individual. The self-destructive power of humanity yet still finding beauty and translating and manifesting it into art.

INESA DE LA ROCHE

Inesa De La Roche is a leading female photographer working on films produced by studios such as FOX, PARAMOUNT PICTURES, WARNER BROTHERS and with many independent film studios, filmmakers and the greatest directors of commercials. Directing, creating and producing Electronic Press Kit, she interviews Award winning actors, directors and film producers for the promotional release of the movies...

She photographs actors, filmmakers, fashionistas, musicians, artists, celebrities, royal family members, business professionals and creative projects for commercial or personal and private usage. She is also a conceptual multimedia artist, manifesting her visions as a filmmaker, actress, performer, writer and a poet manifesting stories, sculpting and freezing time and explores the depth of feelings whilst unfolding her visions in mysterious ways. Her creativity allows her to jump into the unknown, engaging and amercing herself with the intensity of life and expressing it through her art...

Monday, 3 July 2017

Physical upkeep is non stop. Just as you think you can rest a new machine comes out to rejuvenate and make you into a miraculous specimen of humanity. Today I went to organise a neon sign for my good old friend Dr. Jean Louis Sebagh. I was immediately instead put on the table to try out the machine from Europe which is an alibaba of ideas to firm the skin, keeping you as vital as possible. It felt like a thousand tiny pricks and left me a little pink. It hurt slightly when leaving the doctors office but three hours later my skin is slightly more plump and definitely more healthy looking. A girlfriend came in to my room and told me about a new mask that Madonna was using too. So much beauty and so little time.
If keeping young is hard work so is travel nowadays, at the beginning of the year shoes and clothes were stolen out of my suitcase at Terminal 5, now this week end BA again has another theft a necklace saying "Fuck You" was stolen by the designer Plein. What is the matter with security?. It is truly boring. I was going to give it to Tracey Emin for her birthday present instead I gave a case of Rose from The Chateau I was staying in called Chateau Beaulieu. We were celebrating the retrospective at Chateau La Coste of Tracey's work, truth be told those friends that were there were her loyal tribe, we all love her, her paintings and new wonderful bronze sculptures.
This incredible contemporary Chateau is owned by the hotelier Patrick Mckillen, which at its entrance has the huge spider by Louise Bourgeois, looking magnificent, it is not only an artistic feast but a cullinary feast too. Contemporary architecture has enhanced a small chateau making it one of the the most vital places in the South of France along with its fantastic exciting collection.

Spider by Louise Bourgeoise at the entrance of Chateau La Coste.

Last week I supported my good friend Sir Tim Rice and his brilliantly energetic newish musical about Blondel who was a wandering minstral who saved King Richard in Austria during the Crusades. So entertaining and witty I would suggest anybody who likes theatre should visit The Union Theatre to see it. It was more entertaining in some respects than anything else I have seen on stage recently despite loving the play about Queen Anne, which was exceptional too from the RSC. Lots of music and bawdy movement in the Haymarket depicting the betrayal and deceit of two friends.

A day later I went to the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party which definitely for better or for worse has a new guest list. Flash and brash buyers were out in force and of course the flamboyant and talented ceramicist, whose work I totally love.

Nancy Dellolio with artist Sue Webster

Grayson Perry never lets you down and definitely set the scene at the party. Tracey's week end retrospective in France was decidely up market and almost aristocratic in comparison, two huge bodies of Tracey in bronze stole the show. The art world is changing and the Young British Artists, once rough and unshaven, vulger and course, have now become the aristocrats, grown up and mature.

Saturday, 1 July 2017

Sometimes I feel God is about as real as the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas. Where and what is he? I believe in the Prophets and their tangible tales rather that a mystic God. I believe in Karma.
The more I see of people the more I want to wake them up.
If the people who complain about the rich ran a profitable company they may understand that it is not easy to create new ideas and jobs, that it takes a different type of talent. It is not magic it is generally hard graft. I truly believe there should be a safety net for society but that it should not be an absolute for the idle and those on the take. Like those who are rich and don't pay tax, those that are earning money but not paying tax should be reported too. So many people within the UK are working with cash under the table, come on you know who you are and you should contribute, after all, you are using our country. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, beauticians, the nail girl all are paid in cash? On passports from the European Union, they ponce off our system of open borders, when asked if they pay tax, generally the girl looks down. This is not racism, Zenobia, this is just fact. Cash is tricky to follow and to keep. We all know that. It allows for freedom, but not the contributions necessary to feed our country and keep it up to date. Incentives would be a good idea in helping encouraging people's honesty. Let's get over the rubbish, there is plenty of cash around anyway, and it is just a question of how the money is spent.
The Grenfell Tower Block was a scandal, and should not be sickly used by political parties for one -upmanship. Everybody would have helped, they would have if allowed. Political correctness and council cuts, shoddy workmanship and badly built buildings were to blame, however, it does not bring those that died back to life. I would have called over tannoys for help. Given out cups of tea and run the whole thing a lot more efficiently, but that is what I am good at.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

It is not fair on the English population to accept the behavior of violent jihadists any longer. The Muslims choose to live an isolated indoctrinated life that is not compatible with ours and which is bang up to date for 672AD. They are uneducated using the Quran as their backbone which might be wise to modernize. It is not as if we read and live our lives by the bloodier bits of the Bible or Torah. It is not acceptable and we will fight against it. The Muslims wear clothes that are not compatible with our way of life in England, Scotland and Wales, and are violent and abusive to women and gay men, our population here, The USA and in Europe are attacked regularly. This week is the final straw. It is enough. We will fight back. We are fed up and those that do not want to integrate, they should leave for countries that suit them and be honest. Certainly not take subsidies and live here for our health service etc. They have encouraged our fear of "political correctness" which is nonsense. Katie Hopkins lost her job but Sadiq Kahn has not? They have lived off our fear of being accused of racism but enough is enough. A Muslim of this sort cannot be welcome in this country. Take off the burka, take off the Hajib, take off the Nihab, show your face and join in or get out. They have had support, they have had our money for education and help. Let's wake up and know that a "Fox is in the chicken house"

Friday, 26 May 2017

It's okay to have the @ISIS flag hanging out of a window and not okay to have poor choice of words from the controversial Katy Hopkins, who loses her job... Goodness what is world coming to? Freedom of speech? Why is it okay for Muslims to say "Kill the police" in a video in Luton. Lunacy and poor England and especially Manchester at the moment. This of course is not all Muslims but a few ruin it for everybody else.. The sick attitude has to change. Simply kick out the Muslims that are radicalized? Why should they remain on our system for the tax payers to pay for? But of course there is no welfare system in the Middle East. If you behave like this you get hung drawn and quartered there. Why is "Sharia Law" which the Muslims so adhere to, not sorting this out? If they want to join ISIS stay in the Middle East there are plenty that would agree with them.Why are we allowing people back when they have been fighting against us? It's not right or left wing it is common sense? It is not racist to not be wild about those that don't like us? Come on, stop political correctness and change the status quo. What will England be like in 20 years time? Fine we are multi cultural but the people have to like us to be here and abide by our standards and rules not theirs,surely. Why are the Mulla's not sorting this out and why anyway in 2017 are they not sifting the bloodthirsty Quran as we do the bloodier bits of the Bible and the Torah. These are outdated ways to live our lives surely we could be all much more intelligent than follow rhetoric written 1599 years ago?

Thursday, 18 May 2017

I am selling my house in Palm Springs and if you want to be given a continual headache have more than one house, have it in California when you actually live in London. American's love paperwork so beware, try going home when you are no longer in love with the lifestyle and fake boho, you could have a nervous breakdown with Escrow.
I would rather buy art. So with this idea I decide to go to Venice for the week end to see the Damien Hirst show which opened a few weeks ago at the Palazzo Grassi and also pop into a few other Palazzo's to view this years Biennale. I will leave the countries in the Garden until next time.
The art world is prickly. I sat at a table and listened to people discussing whether Damien Hirst's exhibition was better than Paul McCarthy? Personally I would prefer any day a bronze of a broken Aphrodite and a huge very male statue of Pereus to a vomiting SnowWhite or a huge green Butt plug as a tree. Both artists joke and I love this, but Butt plugs are not for me. Damien always has humour mixed with extravagance, and this is an incredible show that is beautiful and like a Hollywood Blockbuster. You will see humour and thought, comments about the myths, the Eygptian's, Budda, green jade made to look fake, the art world, history and I loved it. I notice people prefer failure, anybody who is successful get's a flogging. "Success" is a dirty word.

This is no more obvious than in politics. I am sorry I like people doing well and I hate crooked people. I like honesty, the honesty of a Headmistress over a man who is really a Communist, who wants to embrace failure rather than success. On another note, I say for every refugee coming to the UK bring in a rich one too..Rich in mind, body and spirit. They can pay for the poor one.
For heavens sake don't be popular and well liked.
As for Trump the revolting way he has been treated and pushed about is disturbing. I am not a fan of the hair or the orange face but the Russians and Fake News, to cover Pizzagate, Julian Assange leaks, Seth Rich, Vincent Foster, Benghazi, the Podesta emails, Loretta Lynch, The Secret Service Prostitution Scandal, The Clinton Foundation, Haitians and so much more, is repellent and worrying. "The Fake News" from huge organizations owned by the Illuminati, The Press and many Democrats is a terrible reflection on society and democracy,Trump himself get's the blame, his only stupidity is wanting to dream of making "America Great Again" The only other person to be like this was Kennedy who got shot. Keep safe President Trump you won the Democrats should get over it. Whatever side you are on the political world is so very sick, nothing has changed. SuperTramp sings an appropriate song. Alex Jones speaks about Trump. Life goes on. I say investigate everything Mr President, you will no doubt find the C's embroiled in all behind the scenes activities, be brave be calm. Why on earth fifty percent of America wanted Mrs Clinton heaven knows. It's not about left or right its about honesty and integrity. The position of the President has become very murky indeed. It is explained beautifully by the outrageous Roger Stone in "Get Me Roger Stone" On another note it is well known that anybody at anytime can listen to anybody's conversations whenever they choose with the right equipment. Famous or not everybody faces that risk. So what's the news?
The deplorable population need to stand up and speak up. They voted for that. I say "Drain the swamp" before its too late.
Now I am off to the Beach Boys who will lift my spirits and remind me there is still hope for America, success and ethics. I may also listen tonight before falling asleep to Lou Reed's Take a walk on the wild side.. A brilliant song that now apparently is not so politically correct, actually thank goodness it never was.. sleep well.

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

As my birthday arrives, I think my goodness, I had better work at being pure, perhaps go into religion?. I received a birthday card saying "I think we need to get you a new hobby that doesn't involve penises" It is thought provoking and I was thinking, in a more delicate way, just the same thing. I have thought about boys since seven years old so it could be tricky to change? Sex and the aging body is a combination I dislike, I am a perfectionist. I would rather make love in a candle lit room and not face harsh light of reality. The walk of shame this morning, despite being fun, has somehow lost its allure but at least I have a sense of humour as I crept out of my lovers house with just a pair of high healed shoes and my make up case at 7am. I wish now at this grand age that I had qualified as a Judge, a politician or a theatre director. look in the mirror and see my fourteen year old self and often see the old wise woman.
Politicians have no qualifications ypee.
I talk about sex in secret nowadays, one of my best friends said to me "Nobody makes love after being with somebody for ten years. The conversation between friends is about the necessity of Magnesium and Vitamin D, Botox and an Eye lift, or whether to arrange a second facelift. I am constantly bathing to avoid the old age smell, using a product called "Mirai" to eradicate everything I dislike especially Nonenal the smell of old age.

My friends relationships look solid enough but when anybody leaves their husband after 55 they looked at with pity followed by whispers "perhaps they need to 'see' somebody" I am still living the divorcee life of a 45 year old with all its complications. Despite having two sons, I seem to accumulate at least one more daughter a year. The girl behind me says"That is not true you only have me" I say well I have Lish and Lara and she turns and says"They are your cousins"
I am surrounded with youth and it is fabulous. I am lucky.
Am I too old for Fashion? Never, I will always wear a mini skirt and red lipstick, I will always diet and I promise you one thing you never see a shabby year of the rat. Despite criticism I do not care.

The older generation seem to have slipped away from society hiding their flabby arms. I am now happiest on a cruise or at the Mayr Clinic. I am not quite ready for 'The Sunny Vale' as a friend addresses old peoples homes, but I do like an institution. They are truly addictive.

Sunday, 7 May 2017

The Holy Land which I consider to be Israel, was more interesting than I imagined. The Muslims in Jerusalem who were selling crosses to Christian tourists made me think, why are there wars? Then there were very religious Italians singing and praying whilst carrying the cross, The Israeli Police wearing enough makeup to look like the girls behind the make up counter in Harrods were thought provoking. The only violence I saw was a stone thrown at a car and the UN Peace corps outside The garden of Gethsemane which was a beautifully looked after Olive Grove with colorful flowers. I had not imagined Israel to look like Tuscany, I thought there would be endless lines of barbed wire and I had not pictured the beauty of Galilee and the broken huge synagogue at Capurnaum. The air perfect, or the serenity of The mount of Olives which houses the dead. Wherever I looked I was moved by history.
I walked the steps to paradise to try and feel what Jesus could have felt, I placed candles to remember my family and friends that have left the earth. I felt chills up my spine continually, feeling the souls who had been there in ancient times. I dipped myself in the Holy Water at Galilee. Nothing feels as it once felt. I had been so stubborn about visiting Israel, not agreeing with its existence. Now I understand that Israel belongs to all of us whatever religion. Jesus had rock star popularity, rock star appeal.
I see this as I get baptized in the sea of Galilee. I buy little trinkets of water and sand. Reminders of this man are everywhere. He did exist. He was indeed Jesus Christ superstar.

Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Boat life at sea feels like a never ending passage to heaven, the jolly Captain telling us vital information from the Bridge. This morning I had to buy an internet package. I said let's buy a weeks usage but the man said we are at sea for two more weeks. Cruise life is a glamorous prison for those that are addicted to institutions, with free food and drink as much as you want, it has the feel of a smart old peoples home too, but my curious nature for knowledge is explored and satiated, so I am happy. For somebody who hates alcohol like me, people become 'in their cups' late at night. I went to see a show with an elderly gentlemen and one witty attractive but very inebriated grandmother said to me "Where did you find him, heaven, or was it hell?" late at night, the Seabourn can sway.

I am learning so much about the Bible, the Quran, The Torah, Jordan, Syria, Israel, pirates, Musical Theatre. Geography and history are linked. Endless battles created, the strongest, determining the other country's success. It just had not occurred to me. I passed a little known but hugely important Country/port of Dijibouti home to spies, the USA, The Chinese, The British. I look at photographs, the women were beautiful like Brazilian bombshells. I think of stories of successful women in the area and there are many. The beauty of Cleopatra, TheVirgin Mary, The Queen of Sheba, Nefertiti and the darker side, The Slave Trade, that made Oman and it's district so very profitable. I discover a slave in those days was the cost of an onion. A thesis I wrote at school and got actually top marks on was about the Slave Trade and William Wilberforce. If only I had gone on a trip like this when I was fourteen it would have been even better. Then there is the gun running and pirates. A world away from daily life in Chelsea and Los Angeles.

I have had the luck to listen to many passionate and emotional performances, especially by the violinist Peter Fisher, composer, Tamara Konstatin and baritone Jonathan Christopher, not excluding the other brilliant talent who are performing in a "A night with Sir Tim Rice" my nights are all so very different.

I try to diet and am unable to keep to a detox, for the first time in my life my puritanical way of life is thrown overboard. I will come away from this trip with a better understanding of politics and the rapacious and the unpredictable world we live in today and of its history.

If you don't mind living a Thomas Mann story, with all sorts of unexpected exposure and characters, to the world this could be 'the way of life' an amazingly colourful trip for you. You like others could become addicted to Seabourn.com

Wednesday, 19 April 2017

A few days ago someone sent me a photograph of me at 27 just before I got married to Johan. I think it was that year. I got married on the 9th June 1988 but the picture must have been in May as it is was my friends birthday, the dress I wore for my wedding was already worn. That is bad luck to start with but the picture, personal to me only told me a lot, and made me think.
Wearing gold jewelry, my hair darkened as I hid my white blonde hair then, I look worried which for someone with a huge sense of humour looks strange. I was wearing a Belville Sassoon dress with big white sleeves and I still own it. The picture was sent to me at a time when I am starting a new chapter. It has made me think back to my life and what I wanted to achieve then.

I was born in Lebanon but left six weeks afterwards to English parents, one a journalist the other an opera singer. I always said I would go when I am going to die. Because of politics and the world we live in now I wish to explore areas I do not know before then, to understand the Middle East you must visit it. I decided to do this by ship. The Seabourn, and the boats name is Encore. Discovering that Arabia is a huge desert made of shells. I decided to make a trade journey through it. Muslims we know love trade and they have existed side by side with the Chinese and Africans, Indians and Europeans. I realize I must take time to relive the past and future, and this is the last luxurious way to travel. The biggest commodities were frankincense, pearls, ivory, slavery, peppers, fabrics and weapons, now it is oil. America sells 34,000 billion of weapons a year and Great Britain 8 Billion a year to Saudi Arabia alone. In times past the British have had good relations which meant trading and traveling permits to safety through Arabia. If you do this trip you will have a better understanding of the current climate .

The areas are valuable, dangerous and vast. The climate extreme. From China to Baghdad, from Japan to Europe via Zanzibar, Oman the demand for trade was and is necessary. Oman is one of the most important trade ports. Nearby in ancient times the Queen of Sheba lived it has exotic history. Copper was produced along with textiles, timber. I am following the original daring trader, Sinbad the 11.
Rich now from oil, the Arabs have abandoned their tents and two breeds of camels, one with a one hump and another with two humps to drive in air conditioned luxury and live in huge magnificent contemporary architectural buildings collecting artifacts, Arabian horses and falcons. From Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, the sea dominates their lands and the mountains protect their caravan route, whilst the mosques and prayers keep their people pretty pure.
I fall asleep to the sounds of the ship and dream of carpets and souks, wishing to follow previous brave women who studied Arabic and lived there, who fell in love with the Nomad's way of life.